Scenic Eastern Cape

The beautiful shores of the Eastern Cape is aptly called the ‘Sunshine Coast’, so named for its long, sun-soaked days and warm seasons, is not only favored by South Africans, but also by tourists from abroad.

The reason is not only the sun-drenched beaches, but also because of its rural, mellow atmosphere, its superior swimming areas, surfing and angling opportunities and its wealth of other outdoor-related activities.

The province has plenty hiking trails, tracking beautiful mountains and valleys, and more than enough nature reserves offer great country accommodation and abundant wildlife.

The former Ciskei, once the scene of nine frontier wars between the Xhosas and the British, is now a tranquil holiday playground, world-renowned for its superb scenic landscapes, ultra-modern coastal resorts and tiny villages nestling at the feet of towering mountain ranges, such as the Katberge, Amatola, Winterberge and Hogsback.  

Beyond the Kei River mouth is the former Transkei. Here are bronze beaches of the Wild Coast - a palm-fringed paradise where monkeys play on the terraces of casino resorts and beautiful hotels.  

Danie de Villiers

Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens was established in 1849, and is located next to the Greyville Race Course in the Berea, Durban. 

The Durban Botanic Gardens is a classic botanic garden, reflecting the universality of the plant kingdom. It has, for over 100 years, had a fine mixed arboretum of African, Asian and American trees. The Gardens are a few minutes’ walk from the bustling Warwick Triangle, site of one of the largest retail medicinal plant markets in the country. 

The Durban Botanical Garden hosts approximately 500 000 visitors per year, many of whom are foreign tourists. Popular attractions include picnic spots, an orchid collection, cycad collection (including the unique Wood's cycad), sub-tropical trees, palms and a tea garden.

Theme tours of the Gardens are conducted by volunteer guides by prior arrangement. Themes include: birds, history of the Durban Botanic Gardens, lake life, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, plants of the Bible, roots, and general tour, mini beats and art. 

Africa Deluxe Tours can arrange a general guided tour of the Gardens; it is also included in many of our tour itineraries.

By Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer

Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa, Phalaborwa, Limpopo

Situated on the border of the world renowned Kruger National Park, the Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa offers a unique blend of golf and game to both local and international visitors, offering luxury accommodation, sports, conference facilities and a world famous golf course that is home to a wide variety of game and over 200 species of birds. Air-conditioned and secluded en-suite accommodation is offered in the form of thatched chalets situated along the golf course and hotel rooms in the garden.

Visitors to Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa can choose to stay in a chalet overlooking the golf course or in superior rooms closer to the hotel itself. The hotel comprises of 143 rooms in total (combination of hotel rooms, chalets, self-catering, and two Junior Suite). Self-catering family chalets offer the additional facility of a lounge, kitchen, and dining area.

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For weddings with a difference, there is the perfect venue, whether it is a romantic setting in one of our gorgeous green gardens, or for a bit of a more adventurous scene, there is a luxurious bush setting by the banks of the Oliphant’s River. Wedding venues can seat between 100 and 250 wedding guests.

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Designed by Bob Grimsdell, Hans Merensky Golf Course provides a truly unique golfing experience with a range of challenging holes. Having hosted many high-profile professional and amateur tournaments, the course is of widely acknowledged quality. The course is lined with bushveld forming a beautiful backdrop to the holes, and gives the impression that the course is far older than its 30 years.

White House Lodge, White River, Mpumalanga

The White House Lodge sits among ten hectares of mountaintop with beautiful views of the surrounding farmlands and hills and mountains, mainly “The Lion Head” - a remnant of a long extinct volcanic core.

The indigenous sour bushveld trees and shrubs surround the lodge, as do around one hundred species of bird, which are the only source of sound to disturb your peace.

The White River area’s climate is renowned as one of the most congenial in South Africa, and ensures you of a relaxed time, with the right combination of luxury indoor and outdoor living, with the lovely rock pool in which to keep cool.

The Lodge is situated in South Africa’s province of Mpumalanga - “the place where the sun rises” - just 5 km from the small town of White River and 8km from the new Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with its unique thatched roofed terminal and you can reach White River’s 18 hole Championship Golf Course in ten minutes.

A little further away is Nelspruit, the provincial capital city with all modern amenities including a casino. The Kingdom of Swaziland is only an hour’s drive away, and a further hour can see you in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique on Africa’s East coast.

There are seven en-suite rooms, one luxury cottage with own lounge and private veranda and one two bedroom cottage with lounge, dining area and kitchen if you wish, all with television,  while the public facilities includes  huge swimming pool, with Lapa and Boma, and two terraces for relaxing. 

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Activities to improve your health